Sunday, June 29, 2003
Holy crap, network just ate all of my hard work. Why did it have to disappear when I clicked on post if the connection was going to time-out? I'll give it another go, but I don't know if it will be as good. I guess I will know to do a copy before clicking on the submit button next time.
What do I have to do to be allowed to pay for dinner around here? Well, barring going by myself, of course. The Japanese culture places much emphasis on treating guests and visitors well, much more emphasis than I am comfortable with at least. I probably sound very unappreciative, but I really would like to be allowed to pay just once. You'd think by the third meal, I'd be allowed to pay, right? I was even clever this time, thinking it would be the easiest way to get away with paying this time, I watched where the bill was kept. It was even cleverly hidden in a tray underneath the table corner, on the opposite side from myself. I grabbed it and stated my intentions on paying the bill. Not good enough. I might have gotten away with it had I been clear of the table, but I was cornered. Dr. Ahmadyar insisted that I let him have the bill and he was not budging. I even felt like he was ready to resort to fisticuffs over it. After pleading failed, I resorted to explaining my daily allowance and that I would really like to return the favor, it was no problem. Not good enough, buddy. Once again, I found myself the victim of a selfless Japanese act of goodwill and generosity. I know I sound like an unappreciative jerk, but that's really not the case. I DO appreciate the gesture. However, I'd like to foot the bill just once, to feel like less of a mooch, to maintain a decent frequency of outings not based on someone elses budget, but mostly, to return the favor. He says "When I come to America, you can pay." What are the chances he will be in Atlanta if he does come? Not good enough for me. Maybe, in the four more weeks that I am here, I will be able to get away with at least one tab.
Addition to the list of non-standard foods consumed on this trip: cow tongue. It was actually quite good, in contrast to the tasteless, blubber-like beef tripe consumed last week. I'd even recommend it to friends visiting Eastern Asia. I still don't understand why they don't just make hot dogs out of the leftovers.
Ok, not as good as my first attempt. I am sure my old one is somewhere... floating in cyberspace... a lost, wandering set of 1s and 0s...only to be seen or heard by the electrons and optical fibers of the vast Internet. Will it go to Internet heaven? Will that first post have a good afterlife? What if the Egyptians were right? I haven't the time or resources to give it a proper burial...heck, I can't even find the remains.
What do I have to do to be allowed to pay for dinner around here? Well, barring going by myself, of course. The Japanese culture places much emphasis on treating guests and visitors well, much more emphasis than I am comfortable with at least. I probably sound very unappreciative, but I really would like to be allowed to pay just once. You'd think by the third meal, I'd be allowed to pay, right? I was even clever this time, thinking it would be the easiest way to get away with paying this time, I watched where the bill was kept. It was even cleverly hidden in a tray underneath the table corner, on the opposite side from myself. I grabbed it and stated my intentions on paying the bill. Not good enough. I might have gotten away with it had I been clear of the table, but I was cornered. Dr. Ahmadyar insisted that I let him have the bill and he was not budging. I even felt like he was ready to resort to fisticuffs over it. After pleading failed, I resorted to explaining my daily allowance and that I would really like to return the favor, it was no problem. Not good enough, buddy. Once again, I found myself the victim of a selfless Japanese act of goodwill and generosity. I know I sound like an unappreciative jerk, but that's really not the case. I DO appreciate the gesture. However, I'd like to foot the bill just once, to feel like less of a mooch, to maintain a decent frequency of outings not based on someone elses budget, but mostly, to return the favor. He says "When I come to America, you can pay." What are the chances he will be in Atlanta if he does come? Not good enough for me. Maybe, in the four more weeks that I am here, I will be able to get away with at least one tab.
Addition to the list of non-standard foods consumed on this trip: cow tongue. It was actually quite good, in contrast to the tasteless, blubber-like beef tripe consumed last week. I'd even recommend it to friends visiting Eastern Asia. I still don't understand why they don't just make hot dogs out of the leftovers.
Ok, not as good as my first attempt. I am sure my old one is somewhere... floating in cyberspace... a lost, wandering set of 1s and 0s...only to be seen or heard by the electrons and optical fibers of the vast Internet. Will it go to Internet heaven? Will that first post have a good afterlife? What if the Egyptians were right? I haven't the time or resources to give it a proper burial...heck, I can't even find the remains.
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